Ernie Smith, who typified the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s, died at the University of Miami Hospital on April 16 at age 80. His wife, Claudette Bailey Smith, confirmed his passing.

Smith was admitted to the hospital on April 7 and underwent surgery two days later for an undisclosed illness. He was placed in the Intensive Care Unit following the procedure.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, Smith was raised in rural St. Ann parish. His upbringing in the latter inspired his down-to-earth songs like ‘Ride on Sammy’, ‘Bend Down’ and ‘Life is Just For Living’.

Most of those songs were recorded during the 1970s when Smith flourished at Federal Records in Kingston. ‘Pitta Patta’, ‘Duppy Gunman’ and ‘Sunday Morning Coming Down’ were some of his other chart-riders.

Despite the acclaim he achieved, Smith shunned the limelight. For Roger Lewis of Inner Circle, his friend of over 50 years, it was one of the traits that endeared him to people.

Lewis described Smith as, “A humble musical giant. The fantastic songwriter, the man who was so right in saying, ‘Life is Just For Living’. May his very beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.”

Smith came of age during the 1970s, considered the golden age of reggae. Unlike the 1960s when many Jamaican artists covered American songs, he, along with Bob Marley, Bob Andy and Peter Tosh wrote original material.

Ernie Smith is survived by his wife, five children and one grandchild.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL